Dawn O'Regan won the top prize in the Improvement Pool! Here is her story:

Thanks for the opportunity to participate in the Improvementpool. I would just like to say that I was completely surprised to be standing
on the center podium as a first place finisher. I don’t usually “win” things. I
was pleasantly and genuinely caught off guard!

Seriously, I was really amazed to see the data (the
“scientific” evidence) that proves the success and the possibilities of the
Crossfit program. I entered the pool to support others and to hopefully improve
my scores and not decline them. (I never imagined winning!) I am so impressed
with Crossfit Santa Cruz and the way Danielle and Hollis run the gym. You can
count on vigorous workouts, (getting your butt kicked!) a supportive community
of people who seem to share the same passion (addiction) for this fitness
craze, and dynamically attentive coaching that encourages and pushes you to
believe you CAN succeed and improve. I can tell you right now that I would not
push myself as far without the dedicated coaching encouragement.

As far as “what” made this happen for me…I think it was a combination of things
and a committed effort.

Personalized
encouragement and support from the coaches. This has been a huge part of
my progress. I have made big leaps because I was told that I was
capable.

Healing
a shoulder injury with stretching, rolling, and acupuncture. Constant
focus on shoulder/chest opening included working with the rings to engage
and educate my back muscles.

Compatible
workout partners. Beth D. and I were teamed up a lot during workouts and
that proved to be a well matched inspiration for both of us. I received
further positive encouragement from the fantastic CF community.

My
husband Brian, daughters Bailey and Hana joined the CF program right as
the improvement pool began. This has been an unexpected pleasure (and
pain) to share together. When we recently started the re-testing, Bailey
showed up to a soccer game we were attending and said excitedly, “I beat
your (2k row) time by 7 seconds! My only goal today was to beat your
time!”I know Bailey and Hana
may pass me up at some point but, I must hold them back as long as I can!

As far
as food goes, I eat fresh, simple (nothing processed EVER) seasonal,
organic (when possible) and delicious homemade food. I choose elements
from the Paleo method but I do not follow it strictly. I have mostly cut
out bread, grains and dairy from my lifestyle but still enjoy them in
moderation. I love good food and refuse to eat it if it doesn’t taste
amazing and make me feel good. I supplement my diet with omegas, vitamin
D, and B daily.

Congratulations to everyone for participating! The event
seemed to boost the overall spirit of the community and the results were
impressive and validating to witness the gym-wide success.

I would like to thank Danielle and Hollis for an outstanding
fitness program. The dynamic functional movements we learn and practice at CF
give us useful fitness and compelling results. I have been at CF for a year now
and it has become such a positive part of my life. The improvement pool results
are proof that the Crossfit Santa Cruz program is hugely successful! Onward we
go… Strive for personal improvement, appreciate the process, and celebrate what
we have!

-Dawn O'Regan

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Workout:

"Fight Gone....."

In this workout you move from each of five stations after thirty seconds. You will do each station twice.
This is a five-minute round from which a one-minute break is allowed
before repeating for a total of three rounds.

Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 12 ft target. (Reps)

Sumo deadlift high-pull: 95 pounds (Reps)

Box Jump: 24" box (Reps)

Push-press: 95 pounds (Reps)

Row: calories (Calories)

Wall-ball: 20 pound ball, 12 ft target. (Reps)

Sumo deadlift high-pull: 95 pounds (Reps)

Box Jump: 24" box (Reps)

Push-press: 95 pounds (Reps)

Row: calories (Calories)

The clock does not reset or stop between exercises. On call of
"rotate," the athlete/s must move to next station immediately for good
score. One point is given for each rep, except on the rower where each
calorie is one point.

__________________

Tyler will be performing at the Blue lagoon; it starts at 8:30 and there is a 5 dollar cover. Come out and laugh at Tyler.